We are thrilled to welcome multi-award winning jazz pianist Nikki Iles to Finchcocks for a weekend devoted to jazz piano. “A formidable UK jazz presence ...” “Iles is one of the most refreshing figures to have emerged in the UK scene in recent times" The Guardian (John Fordham) “Formidably creative.... “The Heroine of British Jazz...
This course, run by Finchcocks Musical Director David Hall, is ideal for anybody who wants to go beyond grade 5 theory to further develop their keyboard skills of interpretation, improvisation, harmonisation and transposition. It would best suit the Upper Intermediate pianist who has good understanding of grade 5 music theory upto Advanced players. David will...
The keyboard music of Mozart is seen as a model of perfection; the sleek lines of the melodies and exquisite harmonies ideally suited to the modern grand piano. However, Mozart’s own instruments and those around him offer a dramatically different sound world and thanks to researches in performance styles, our understanding of how Mozart’s music...
This thought-provoking course focuses on the strategies that root your musical performances in more confident foundations. We explore and apply a diverse range of psychology-related ideas including ’the flow’; and concepts of body-mechanics from piano, theatre and dance to discuss and experiment with strategies that promote a more natural awareness of how our mind, body,...
24557|https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Dave-at-the-Bosendorfer-1024x683.jpg|large A weekend dedicated to enjoying sight-reading which, for the busy or practice-challenged pianist, requires no preparation at all! Why do we always talk about aural tests and sight-reading tests? Finchcocks musical director David Hall advocates a systematic approach to sight-reading that does not involve weekly high-pressure tests. He believes that sight-reading should feel more like curling up...
We are thrilled to be welcoming back concert pianist and keynote speaker Professor William Westney, as part of his visit to the UK, to 2025's programme - this time extended to three days! His previous visits have been extremely special for all involved so we can't wait for more. This 3-day course, for upper intermediate...
We know advanced pianists will be absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to spend five days learning from and being inspired by the inimitable Florian Mitrea. Below, he describes his plan for the Finchcocks 2025 summer school course for advanced pianists (beyond grade 8, preparing for - or at - diploma standard, or higher). Our...
Upper Intermediate players have the fantastic opportunity to study with the wonderfully inspiring Graham Fitch for five whole days on this summer school! This summer piano retreat offers pianists grade 6 - approaching 8 the chance to fully emerse themselves in all that Finchcocks has to offer. The course aims to provide a luxury break...
Our 5-day summer schools are a well established highlight of the Finchcocks calendar. To ensure a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, priority is given to those who have attended at least one weekend Finchcocks course previously. This 5-day piano retreat for intermediate players offers pianists grades around grades 4 to 6, the chance to fully emerse...
This 5-day piano holiday went down a storm last year so we've added it to our regular offering. This is our most relaxed course ever and a pianist's dream Finchcocks stay: a 5-day 5-star Piano Holiday! This extended piano retreat offers the chance to spend mornings at the piano in a 30-minute one-to-one lesson with...
Join us for a triple treat of an English country garden, live music festival and nab an exclusive chance to make a weekend of it in one of 9 of our luxury bedrooms for the duration (with access to our pianos too). A chance to immerse yourself in the musical magic of Finchcocks, without having to...
Fancy a UK based, luxury weekend away in a grade 1 listed country manor, surrounded by grand pianos? Our piano retreat is designed for anyone who just wants a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It would suit those who want a bit of time away to practise, or to fall...
It's not often we are able to schedule a weekend for Upper Intermediate players with internationally renowned pianist, piano teacher and practice guru Graham Fitch. But we were determined to do so for 2025! Aimed at around grades 6-8, the weekend course offers an insight into the foundations needed for effective practice and performance, as...
Back by very popular demand, this will be our seventh Chopin weekend here at Finchcocks, this time with new, permanent member of our Finchcocks team - international concert pianist Sam Haywood! Chopin’s lyrical and elegant Nocturnes and Preludes are firm favourites with our Upper Intermediate, Advanced and Diploma+ players, and so we’re very excited to...
We know advanced pianists will be absolutely delighted to have another opportunity to spend five days learning from and being inspired by the inimitable Florian Mitrea. Below, he describes his plan for the Finchcocks 2025 autumn school course for advanced pianists (beyond grade 8, preparing for - or at - diploma standard, or higher). Our...
Our 3-day course for Intermediate pianists is designed to allow a bit more space to take things at slower pace and in more depth. It also offers chance for our Lower Intermediates to progress onto the next step if they've been considering it a while! Aimed at pianists around grades 4-6 playing level, the course...
We are delighted to be offering a course with brilliantly talented keyboard player and Early Keyboard Consultant to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Royal Welsh Colleges, Steven Devine. During this weekend course Keyboard Music from the Baroque, Steven Devine will explore this incredibly fertile period of keyboard music, looking at style, technique, repertoire and instruments. Although...
Come, immerse yourself in the sound world of one of the most significant composers of Western classical music! On this Advanced ability three-day course dedicated to the music of Beethoven, Graham Fitch will guide you in exploring the physical, emotional and intellectual challenges of the great composer's music, paying particular attention to the interpretation of...
21861|https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Finchcocks26075-1024x1024.jpg|large Experience the magic of Finchcocks during the festive season and escape Christmas craziness with this special retreat! Run by the wonderful Beatrice Nichols, this mixed ability weekend aims to explore Christmas music written or arranged for piano, accompanied by carols, mince pies and of course mulled wine! 28914|https://www.finchcocks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Christmas-wreaths-1-768x1024.jpg|large Get your festive party pieces ready...
